landscape,  quotes,  sunsets

Learning to Work

Sunset at Riverbend Ponds

“Artists get better by sharpening their skills or by acquiring new ones; they get better by learning to work, and learning from their work.” Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland

After almost 2 years of sitting on the shelf I’m rereading the book Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland. This was one of those books where I highlighted all sorts of phrases. They still speak to me. I also found a couple of chapters that seem to have been added since the first time I read it. Have you noticed that?

I’ve always felt I’m in the process of learning from my photography. I figuring out how to take better images both technically with the tools I have and how I see this world. It’s the learning to work that seems to needs more development in my life. A boss, co-workers and a steady paycheck were the my motivations in corporate life. Working as an artist , whether as a professional or amateur, requires disciplines I’m working on. Now that I’m in this semi-retirement process I’m also learning how to work as an artist. I’m also in Phoenix visiting my parents so I’m also learning to relax.

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

10 Comments

  • ken bello

    This looks like the perfect place to relax (or learn to relax).
    Yes, sometimes I more out of some books after a second read. Funny how that works!

  • Tom Dills

    A re-read of that book has been on my “list” for a while now. I think this post is just the inspiration I need to pull it out again. Not exactly a beach read, but it will do! 🙂

  • John

    As artists we’re always in a process of learning. In IT I’m always in a process of learning. Two distinctly different areas, but both with the same requirement: learn or stagnate and get left behind. I thought I’d be able to kick back (metaphorically), take photos and they’d magically be brilliant. Not so! Constant learning and observing are a must to keep moving forward and improving.

    By the way, I’m still reading Art & Fear for the first time. I’ll read a few pages here and there. I do that with a lot of non-fiction.

    • Monte Stevens

      When younger bieng a student was not at the top of my list. Now that few years of expreince have past the list has changed. It’s now important for me to be the student and getting the homework done because as you say, “Constant learning and observing are a must to keep moving forward and improving.” Thanks, John!

  • Earl

    On learning…I guess our priorities change as we get older and realize just how much we don’t know and how little time we have. 🙂

    We all learn even if we take no notice of it along the way…we still learn. Beautiful photo, Monte.